Uterine Artery Embolisation

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure where an interventional radiologist uses a catheterto deliver small particles that block the blood supply to the uterine body. The procedure is done for the treatment of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Given that this minimally invasive procedure is commonly used in the treatment of uterine fibroids it is also called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

Uterine artery embolization is used to treat bothersome bulk-related symptoms or abnormal or heavy uterine bleeding due to uterine fibroids or for the treatment of adenomyosis. Fibroid size, number, and location are three potential predictors of successful UFE

Long term outcomes with respect to how happy people are with the procedure are similar to that of surgery. There is tentative evidence that traditional surgery may result in better fertility. UAE also appears to require more repeat procedures than if surgery was done initially.

It has shorter recovery times. UAE is thought to work because uterine fibroids have abnormal vasculature together with aberrant responses to hypoxia.

UAE can also be used to control heavy uterine bleeding for reasons other than fibroids, such as postpartum obstetrical hemorrhage and adenomyosis.